under this onslaught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under this onslaught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is facing a heavy attack or overwhelming pressure, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "The team struggled to maintain their composure under this onslaught of criticism from the media."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Under this onslaught, the Chasseurs broke.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea – all countries struggling to recover from wars still fresh in the memory – have buckled under the onslaught of this horrific virus.

The Guardian

Up to this point, Merrill has represented himself as helpless under the onslaught of desire.

The New Yorker

He wilts under the onslaught.

Independent

Consumer patience may be fraying under the onslaught.

The New York Times

And they ultimately receded under the onslaught of daily life.

The Guardian - Books

They will go dormant under the onslaught of summer heat.

The New York Times

The puff pastry's fragility gives way under that onslaught of flavors and textures.

The New York Times - Food

It was to here that the beleaguered civilisation retreated under the onslaught of the conquistadors.

The Guardian - Books

Four days later, you're reeling under the onslaught of shock results and imploding certainties.

The Guardian - Sport

"We cowered under the onslaught from West Indian fast bowlers, that's what we did.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is genuinely overwhelmed. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "under this onslaught" for minor inconveniences or challenges. This phrase is best reserved for situations of significant intensity and impact, not everyday occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under this onslaught" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the conditions or circumstances surrounding an action. It indicates that something is happening in the face of a forceful and overwhelming attack, as demonstrated by the example provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under this onslaught" is a phrase used to describe situations characterized by intense pressure or overwhelming attacks. Ludwig identifies the phrase as grammatically correct but relatively rare, with examples primarily found in news and wiki contexts. When writing, reserve this phrase for scenarios where the force is genuinely overwhelming to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "in the face of this attack" or "amid this barrage" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the face of this attack

Replaces 'onslaught' with 'attack', focusing on the aggressive action faced.

amid this barrage

Substitutes 'onslaught' with 'barrage', highlighting the continuous and overwhelming nature of the pressure.

beneath this pressure

Changes 'onslaught' to 'pressure', emphasizing the weight and burden experienced.

subjected to this assault

Replaces the noun 'onslaught' with the verb 'assault', altering the sentence structure.

overwhelmed by this aggression

Focuses on the feeling of being overwhelmed, replacing 'onslaught' with 'aggression'.

under this overwhelming force

Uses 'overwhelming force' to describe the intensity of the pressure.

confronted with this offensive

Emphasizes the act of confronting the 'offensive', which replaces 'onslaught'.

beset by this tribulation

Employs a more formal tone, using 'beset' and 'tribulation' in place of 'under' and 'onslaught'.

facing this adversity

Highlights the challenging nature of the situation, substituting 'onslaught' with 'adversity'.

grappling with this affliction

Implies a struggle against something negative, replacing 'onslaught' with 'affliction'.

FAQs

How can I use "under this onslaught" in a sentence?

This phrase describes a situation where someone or something is facing a powerful and overwhelming attack. For example, "The company struggled to stay afloat "under this onslaught" of negative press."

What are some alternatives to "under this onslaught"?

You could use phrases like "in the face of this attack", "amid this barrage", or "beneath this pressure" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. Each alternative offers a slightly different perspective on the overwhelming situation.

Is it appropriate to use "under this onslaught" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing intense conflicts or challenges. However, ensure that the tone and intensity match the overall style of the piece.

What kind of situations is "under this onslaught" most suitable for?

This phrase is most suitable for situations involving intense pressure, overwhelming attacks, or significant challenges that threaten to overwhelm the subject. Examples include military conflicts, economic crises, or public scandals.